Two major acts will be rolling into Mohegan Sun Arena in the coming months.

Rush will return to the venue on May 9 due to overwhelming demand, Live Nation announced earlier this week. Tickets are $96 and $76 and go on sale at 9 a.m. Monday through all Ticketmaster outlets, via phone at 800-745-3000 and at ticketmaster.com.

Rush's 20th studio album, "Clockwork Angels," has been earning accolades since its release last year. The band also recently won "Band of the Year" and "Album of the Year" at the Classic Rock Awards in London. Rush will also celebrate its induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at a ceremony to be held in Los Angeles on April 18.

Sting will perform at a much-anticipated date at the Arena on June 22. The legend will take the stage with his five-piece band.

Tickets are $65 and $45 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Feb. 1 through all Ticketmaster outlets, including Ticketmaster. com, via phone at 800-745-3000 or any ticketmaster outlet.

The performer — who is a singer, composer, author, actor and activist — is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his solo career, which spans 13 albums and was celebrated recently with a box set, "25 Years," a double disc set, "The Best of 25 Years," and a free iPad APP, "Sting 25."

For details, call 888-226-7711 ext. 27163.

JAZZ SERIES: The Winter 2013 "Season of Jazz" kicks off at the Crowne Plaza in Southbury at 7:30 pm. Friday with the Louise Baranger Quintet.

This season features five shows. A discount season ticket that includes reserved seating is available. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at www.newenglandartsandentertainment.com.

THIS WEEK'S NEWTOWN BENEFITS: The events continue to roll in, as the arts community reaches out to help those in need by doing what they do best.

"Deadheads for Sandy Hook" will be Friday at the Eleven Bar & Grille in Naugatuck. Doors open at 8 p.m. for the event, which features performances by Jellyface from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. and headliners The Remnants from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Admission is free, but donations will be collected at the door by members of the Newtown Memorial Fund. A 50/50 raffle will also be held, and anyone who would like to sell handmade Sandy Hook memorabilia is welcome to attend. Everyone who attends will also have a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Gathering of the Vibes festival to be held later this year.

The Eleven Bar & Grille is located at 173 Rubber Ave.

"Downtown Rocks for Newtown" is an all-day event set for Sunday in Hartford. More than 50 bands will perform at nine music venues, with money raised from the event benefiting the Sandy Hook School Support Fund through the United Way of Connecticut.

Venues participating in the event are Black Bear Saloon, Black-Eyed Sally's, Great Hall at Union Station, Pigs Eye Pub, Pour House, The Rocking Horse, The Russian Lady, Tavern Downtown and Up Or On the Rocks. Doors open at 3 p.m., with shows lasting until midnight. Music starts at various times between 3:30 and 5:15 at the venues.

Tickets are $30, which includes access to every venue throughout the day. For advance tickets, visit Ticketfly. com. Tickets are also available on Sunday at the Great Hall beginning at noon.

The Russian Lady will host a silent auction, venues will host additional collections at the door, and commemorative glasses will be for sale. To volunteer or donate for the silent auction, e-mail benefit@therussianladyhartford.com.

Author/musician Scott Parker will host a benefit for the Newtown Memorial Fund at Waterville Bar and Grille, 790 Waterville St. in Waterbury on Feb. 2.

The event begins at 1 p.m. and continues through closing. A large line-up of local bands will perform. The benefit will also feature raffles, items for sale and a buffet, with all proceeds benefiting the fund, with representatives on hand to collect the funds. For details on the fund, visit newtownmemorialfund.org.

CANCELED COMEDY: Those needing some laughs to get rid of the winter blues will have to wait for Valentine's Day. Seven Angels has cancelled this weekend's comedy show. The theater said all ticket holders have been notified.

DOORS TRIBUTE: Soul Kitchen, a tribute to The Doors, will perform Saturday at Gateway Cafe, Riverside Avenue in Bristol. A buffet will be served at 8:15 p.m. and the band takes the stage at 9 p.m..

THIS WEEK IN ROCK HISTORY: On this day in 1962, Danny Peppermint is shocked by a live microphone stand at Las Vegas' Thunderbird Hotel. The singer of the "Peppermint Twist" later recovers.

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